Proposed law addresses blight

WARREN -- Councilman Robert L. Dean Jr., D-at large, is sponsoring an ordinance that would change Warren's housing code to make owners more responsible for vacant dwellings.
The ordinance would help the city be more "proactive in the prevention and eradication of blight and nuisance," according to the legislation.
City council will meet at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the council chambers of the Municipal Justice Building, 141 South St. S.E.
The legislation would expand the definition of a blighted building to include any dwelling that is a fire hazard or a place for criminal activity. Dwellings that damage their neighbors' property values would also be considered blighted, according to the legislation.
Owners would also be responsible for maintaining the building and grounds.
If the city has to perform any maintenance, there would be a cost.
The city would charge 50 for every window that is boarded up and 100 for every door that is boarded.
Other maintenance would cost the owner 150 per month for the first 12 months, and 200 per month for anytime after that.
The legislation also gives Warren the right to buy a building to rehabilitate or redevelop as an alternative to demolition.